OBJECT: Working alone or with a partner, produce a 60-second radio ad for a fictional business, such as these (click here). The project will involve the following components:
1) VOICE RECORDING: A voice recording reading (with appropriate emotion/character) a brief script. You must serve as the voice talent (read/perform the "copy" for the ad) unless given permission in advance to use another "voice over artist" by your instructor. 2) MUSIC/UNDERSCORING: 45-60 seconds of music, created entirely (or mostly) with loops. Be sure the music creates an appropriate setting for the script. 3) ARRANGEMENT: An effective, attractive arrangement of music with script. To set the mood you may have the music begin first. If the script has a high point the music might climax to support that. The voice might begin first and then at a key moment the music might start. Use layering to build an interesting musical narrative. Be sure there is no "dead air" (awkward silence). (Remember, you need at least 45 seconds and no more than 60 seconds or music.) 4) AUDIO QUALITY/TECHNIQUE: Good signal levels, good mix levels (voice is heard clearly, music doesn't cover voice, no distortion, etc.), good audio editing. 5) SOUND EFFECTS (optional): To enhance the production, you may use SFX in GarageBand and/or SFX found online. Below you'll find links to some good free SFX sites. Don't waste time on this element if you haven't recorded your script and created your musical underscoring.
PROCEDURE: Use the following workflow: 1) PRELIMINARY DECISIONS: Will you work alone or with a partner? Choose a client/script. 2) VOICE RECORDING: Choose a mic scheme (USB Mic, XLR Dynamic or Condenser Mic with Audio Interface), Perform Sound Check with Voice Talent, Record the Script (several takes of each phrase). Be mindful of your 60-second time goal (no more, no less). Generally speaking, the voice part should NOT last the entire 60 seconds. Some ads may begin with voice right away, then have the music enter. Other ads may begin with music, then have the voice enter. 3) MUSIC: Produce appropriate music for your product. The music should not be overly complicated as that can draw attention away from the copy. Loops are effective in this sort of short-form production since they can be easily combined to create a groove or atmosphere. Loops work well for building various textures (layering). If you want - and have time - you may MIDI or Audio record some small element of your production, such as a brief melody. 3) ARRANGE/PRODUCE: Adjust the time placement of the voice track(s) with your music, set mix levels, apply DSP effects, etc. Again, be mindful of your 60-second time goal (no more, no less). Set the LCD Display to the TIME VIEW so you can see minutes and seconds in the ruler at the top of the Track Window. 4) OTHER: If time, consider adding SFX to enhance your production.
EXAMPLE PROJECT:Blended Learning Course (Villanova University). I'd give this project a low A. Why? There's lots good about it but there are problems with the level (some too soft) and signal (distortion) in the second spoken phrase.
60 Second Radio Commercial
OBJECT: Working alone or with a partner, produce a 60-second radio ad for a fictional business, such as these (click here). The project will involve the following components:
1) VOICE RECORDING: A voice recording reading (with appropriate emotion/character) a brief script. You must serve as the voice talent (read/perform the "copy" for the ad) unless given permission in advance to use another "voice over artist" by your instructor.
2) MUSIC/UNDERSCORING: 45-60 seconds of music, created entirely (or mostly) with loops. Be sure the music creates an appropriate setting for the script.
3) ARRANGEMENT: An effective, attractive arrangement of music with script. To set the mood you may have the music begin first. If the script has a high point the music might climax to support that. The voice might begin first and then at a key moment the music might start. Use layering to build an interesting musical narrative. Be sure there is no "dead air" (awkward silence). (Remember, you need at least 45 seconds and no more than 60 seconds or music.)
4) AUDIO QUALITY/TECHNIQUE: Good signal levels, good mix levels (voice is heard clearly, music doesn't cover voice, no distortion, etc.), good audio editing.
5) SOUND EFFECTS (optional): To enhance the production, you may use SFX in GarageBand and/or SFX found online. Below you'll find links to some good free SFX sites. Don't waste time on this element if you haven't recorded your script and created your musical underscoring.
CLICK HERE for scripts from which to choose for your radio commercial project.
PROCEDURE: Use the following workflow:
1) PRELIMINARY DECISIONS: Will you work alone or with a partner? Choose a client/script.
2) VOICE RECORDING: Choose a mic scheme (USB Mic, XLR Dynamic or Condenser Mic with Audio Interface), Perform Sound Check with Voice Talent, Record the Script (several takes of each phrase). Be mindful of your 60-second time goal (no more, no less). Generally speaking, the voice part should NOT last the entire 60 seconds. Some ads may begin with voice right away, then have the music enter. Other ads may begin with music, then have the voice enter.
3) MUSIC: Produce appropriate music for your product. The music should not be overly complicated as that can draw attention away from the copy. Loops are effective in this sort of short-form production since they can be easily combined to create a groove or atmosphere. Loops work well for building various textures (layering). If you want - and have time - you may MIDI or Audio record some small element of your production, such as a brief melody.
3) ARRANGE/PRODUCE: Adjust the time placement of the voice track(s) with your music, set mix levels, apply DSP effects, etc. Again, be mindful of your 60-second time goal (no more, no less). Set the LCD Display to the TIME VIEW so you can see minutes and seconds in the ruler at the top of the Track Window.
4) OTHER: If time, consider adding SFX to enhance your production.
Some Good Free SFX Websites:
SoundBible
YouTube Sound Library
FreeSounds.org (login required)
Internet Archive
GRADING: We'll use the rubric linked here to credit your efforts on this project.
EXAMPLE PROJECT: Blended Learning Course (Villanova University). I'd give this project a low A. Why? There's lots good about it but there are problems with the level (some too soft) and signal (distortion) in the second spoken phrase.
DROP COMMERCIAL MP3's HERE